Tom's Thumb Trailhead, Scottsdale - Fellowship Adventures Hike

Starts:

Jan 13

9:00 am

Ends:

Jan 13

1:00 pm

Event Description:

Where

After hot summer months away from the Valley, Fellowship Adventures returns to the scenic McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. Tom’s Thumb Trailhead where we’ll see evidence of the second largest landslide area in the state, as well as famed Tom’s Thumb. Fantastic facilities, well-groomed trails and brilliant views make this a great place to join friends and family for fellowship and exercise. Find out more information regarding Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.

When

Groups will start hiking at 9:00 AM and everyone should be done by 12:00 PM. We will begin our hikes at the Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Please plan to be at the registration tables by 8:30 AM so you can be assigned to your group and we can start hiking as soon as possible.

Location/Directions

Take I-17 north to the AZ-101 Loop going east to Pima Rd. Take Exit 36, Princesss Dr/Pima Road and turn left (north) onto Pima Rd. Go about 5 miles to Happy Valley Rd and turn right (east). Go about 4 miles. (Happy Valley Rd curves north and turns into 118th Street.) Turn right (east) on Ranch Gate Rd, which ends at 128th Street. Turn right (south) on 128th Street, which will take you into the park. Follow the Fellowship Adventures signs to our gathering area.

Carpooling

There is plenty of parking in the immediate event staging area, but we always encourage carpooling. You can sign up for carpooling during the registration process. For details on how carpooling works, see the Carpooling sectionof the "Things to Know" page.

Carpools will meet at Calvary central campus (west side by the mail boxes) – last carpool leaves at 8:00AM. Carpool riders should prepare to cover driver’s expenses (gas, entry fees and any other expenses incurred in transporting passengers to the event).

Cost

Park entrance fee: None

Hiking

This hike will include 4 levels of hiking. You will sign up for a level when registering. The levels are listed below, or see levels of difficulty for more details. Due to loose gravel on some of these trails, hiking sticks are recommended.

Roadrunners – For the serious, go-fast hiker who desires the challenge of speed and distance (7 to 10 miles) and prefers to race past the sagebrush rather than smell it! (This hike is shorter than October's hike, but has greater elevation gain.)

Coyotes – For the recreational hiker who desires energetic physical activity (4 to 7 miles) and the opportunity to stop and smell the sagebrush. (This hike is not as steep and rocky as October’s hike, but still has moderate elevation gain.)

Prairie Dogs – For the casual hiker and families who want to get some exercise (about 3 miles) but will stop to enjoy the view and rest as they hike. (This hike is shorter than October's hike, but has more gradual inclines than normal.)

Geckos – For the person or family new to hiking or just coming back from a long time away. They will do about 2 miles of relatively flat trail. (This month’s hike has gradual inclines, but is not difficult; distance as desired.)

Children

Children are more than welcome to join this event, but please read the Children section of the "Things to Know" page before you come.

Roadrunners - minimum age of 15*, if experienced

Coyotes - minimum age of 10*, if experienced

Prairie Dogs & Geckos - minimum age of 6*, unless you are going to carry them if needed

* If you are bringing a child under the age of 18 for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, a Medical Waiver/Consent Form must be completed, signed by a parent or legal guardian and presented at the check-in prior to the event.

Pets

Dogs are welcome on all except the Roadrunner hike. Remember to consider the heat before bringing Fido and please read the Pets section of the "Things to Know" page.

Other Fellowship Opportunities

One way to connect with other Fellowship Adventures participants is through the FellowshipAdventures Facebook page. (The Fellowship Adventures Facebook page is not a Calvary Community Church sanctioned or monitored site.)